Do you think there is a difference

in socialization of babies that were in daycare fulltime as opposed to babies who only were exposed to socialization on play dates?

Re: Do you think there is a difference

I do. I think that daycare babies aren't as clingy with their moms (probably both a good & bad thing depending on your perspective). They also socialize for a significantly longer period which probably brings up many more tantrums, etc (for example, my kids socialize for TEN hours).

Playdate babies can play with babies but their mom is still in the room - and for tops a few hours.

Honestly - before the age of 2, most children play independently. They will copy other babies - ie if your kid isn't crawling & is around crawlers. It's not really socialization but more physical development. I do know that the easiest way to potty train is to have someone the same age or younger going to the potty.

Re: Do you think there is a difference

a HUGE difference!!

Re: Do you think there is a difference

My kids have never been to daycare. I work FT and we have a wonderful nanny. They are two of the most independent, social children you will ever meet at 20 months and 5 years. We have always done tons of social activities with them, but neither of them had "formal" social groups until nursery school at 2. (DD will start nursery in September at 2.) I think part of it is just your children's nature and your encouragement of independence/dependence.

That said, daycare obviously offers some social benefits!

Re: Do you think there is a difference

Its an interesting question, when Noah was born I was dead set against daycare centres, I was planning on finding a childminder (in home daycare) but as he has grown and changed I can clearly see what a social and active baby he is and I do not think he will be happy at someones home. He isn't that happy at our own home! So I have enrolled him in daycare when I go back to work (I am going back 4 days a week) and I feel really good about it. From the time he was six weeks old we have been going to playgroups on a daily basis and he is at his best around other kids...

So thats what I think. I hope that its good for him...he will be a year old when he starts and I think I made a pretty good start with him at home for the first year! I think it will be good for him!

Re: Do you think there is a difference

I don't think you'd be able to tell the difference by the time the kids are in elementary school.